State-of-the-Art Techniques for Diagnosis of Medical Parasites and Arthropods

Abstract

Conventional methods such as microscopy have been used to diagnose parasitic diseases and medical conditions related to arthropods for many years. Some techniques are considered gold standard methods. However, their limited sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, and the need for costly reagents and high-skilled technicians are critical problems. New tools are therefore continually being developed to reduce pitfalls. Recently, three state-of-the-art techniques have emerged: DNA barcoding, geometric morphometrics, and artificial intelligence. Here, data related to the three approaches are reviewed. DNA barcoding involves an analysis of a barcode sequence. It was used to diagnose medical parasites and arthropods with 95.0% accuracy. However, this technique still requires costly reagents and equipment. Geometric morphometric analysis is the statistical analysis of the patterns of shape change of an anatomical structure. Its accuracy is approximately 94.0–100.0%, and unlike DNA barcoding, costly reagents and equipment are not required. Artificial intelligence technology involves the analysis of pictures using well-trained algorithms. It showed 98.8–99.0% precision. All three approaches use computer programs instead of human interpretation. They also have the potential to be high-throughput technologies since many samples can be analyzed at once. However, the limitation of using these techniques in real settings is species coverage.

Differentiation of Synanthropic Fleas from Andalusia (Spain) through Geometric Morphometrics Analysis

“…The technique is based on the utilization of computer software for data processing and interpretation, with the advantage being that costly reagents and equipment are not required. Its affordability and the simplicity of data collection make it especially useful in low-resource settings [ 52 , 53 ].…”

Morphometrics as a Complementary Tool in the Differentiation of Two Cosmopolitan Flea Species: Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis

“…The results obtained by morphometrics are supported by software analyses, hence they are more accurate than traditional techniques and, in addition, more affordable in low-resource settings [ 22 ].…”

“…Nowadays, although molecular biology includes widespread techniques, such techniques are not always available within all laboratories. These limitations have fostered the appearance of new and more accessible techniques for data treatment, such as geometric morphometric analysis [ 21 , 22 ].…”